Geelong Cats forward Gryan Miers has provided a candid reflection on the lingering disappointment of the club's 2023 AFL Grand Final loss, while also expressing optimism about the new talent arriving at GMHBA Stadium and his own position within the team.
The Sting of Grand Final Defeat
Speaking openly, Miers admitted the pain from the four-point loss to Collingwood in the 2023 decider has not fully subsided. He described the experience as "pretty shattering," acknowledging that such a narrow defeat in the biggest game of the year is difficult to process. The 24-year-old revealed that the players have had to sit with that feeling throughout the off-season, using it as a source of motivation.
"You don't really want to let it go too much because you want to use it as fuel," Miers stated, highlighting the delicate balance between moving on and harnessing the disappointment for the campaign ahead. The loss serves as a powerful reminder of the fine margins at the elite level of the sport.
Welcoming a New Generation of Talent
With the off-season has come renewal, and Miers is excited about the fresh faces joining the Cats' ranks. He specifically mentioned the club's top draft picks, Connor O'Sullivan and Shaun Mannagh, who were selected with picks 11 and 36 respectively in the 2023 AFL National Draft.
Miers has been particularly impressed with O'Sullivan, a key-position player from the Murray Bushrangers. "He's an absolute jet," Miers said, praising the young defender's athleticism and skill. He also noted that Mannagh, a mature-age recruit from Werribee, has fitted in seamlessly and looks ready to make an immediate impact. The integration of these new players is seen as a crucial step in refreshing the squad for another premiership tilt.
Defining His Role for 2024 and Beyond
Now entering his sixth AFL season, Miers is focused on solidifying his unique role within the Geelong structure. Renowned for his elite field kicking and creative playmaking, especially from the forward flank, he is working to add more scoring potency to his game.
"I think my role is pretty set," Miers explained, but emphasised his desire to kick more goals himself while maintaining his high assist numbers. This evolution of his game is something the coaching staff supports, aiming to make him a dual threat. His partnership with star forwards like Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins remains a cornerstone of Geelong's attacking strategy.
As the Cats prepare for the 2024 season, the blend of hardened experience from players like Miers and the injection of youthful talent has created a sense of anticipation at the club. The memory of the Grand Final heartache is being channelled into a collective drive to return to the summit.
